Tips for safe and fun mountain climbing

1. Avoid the crowds

To stay clear of the crowds, avoid days just before Sundays and public holidays, such as Saturdays, which are by far the busiest day of the season. There are less crowds on weekdays.

In the early morning hours, the peak area is heavily congested with climbers heading to the summit to watch the sun rise. Follow the directions of guides, who are there to control traffic.

You can enjoy sunrise views from other spots other than the summit, such as from mountain huts.

2. Get fit and rest properly

“Bullet-climbing”, the practice of starting a climb in the late evening (despite inadequate fitness) and hiking through the night to reach the summit – is dangerous. It increases susceptibility to injury and altitude sickness. Climbers are advised to take proper rest breaks and stop at a mountain hut while ascending.

All climbers should rest for one or more hours at the 5th station level to acclimatise their bodies to the increase altitude.

Climbers with any chronic illness should seek advice from their doctor before attempting to climb.

3. Bring proper equipment

As Mt Fuji is classed as an active volcano, climbers should bring a hard hat and dust mask in the event of an unexpected eruption. These PPE items can protect your head in the case of falling rocks and can fend off dust when trekking town the descent trails, which quickly get dusty. Inform your family of your specific climbing plan before going.

Bring essential items including trekking shoes/boots, rain-wear, cold protection, head lamp and map. Elastic adhesive tape (sports tape) is useful for the quick repair and treatment in case of cracked shoes, injuries or other incidents.

4. Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions and temperature

Prepare appropriately against possible stormy conditions, such as thunder and strong winds as weather conditions can change quickly on the mountain.

In particular, cold protection is vital. At the summit, the temperature can decrease to midwinter levels even in the summer, frequently dropping to almost zero degrees in the houses before sunrise. Bring a thin down or fleece jacket that can be put on and taken off as necessary depending on the conditions.

5. First-aid centres

First-aid centres vary depending on the location.

Yoshida Trail:

5th Station First-aid Center: Within the 5th General Administration Center

7th Station First-aid Center: Below the Kamaiwa-kan Hut)

8th Station First-aid Center: Within the Taishi-kan Hut

All three centres are located on the up-trail; there are none along the down trail.

In the event of accident or injury, seek help from a nearby mountain hut or contact one of the following:

5th General Administration Center: 0555-72-1477

On-site Safety Headquarters: 090-5190-0167/0471

Fujinomiya Trail:

Mt Fuji First-aid Center at the 8th Station

6. Bring disposable toilets

All or some of the public toilets installed around the summit area are unavailable during the following periods: July 1 to 10: No toilets available

Bringing a disposable toilet is highly recommended in case of congestion or emergency.

7. Bring cash (Japanese yen)

No ATMs can be found in the sections at and above the 5th Stations and many mountain huts accept payment in cash only. Bring yen for payment, including small change for contributions for using the toilet.

8. Descending the mountain

On Mt Fuji, four trails have been developed to lead to the summit. Each has a different identification colour (Yoshida Trail: yellow; Subashiri Trail: red; Gotemba Trail: green; Fujinomiya Trail: blue). Check the trail you’ve chosen and its corresponding colour.

Yoshida and Subashiri Trails share the same descending route from the summit to the 8th Station, where the trails separate to different downward tracks. Check the signs installed to ensure you are on track to reach your point of departure.

On the descending route of the Yoshida Trail, the distance between public toilet facilities from the 8th to 7th Stations is large. Plan your toilet use accordingly.

No supply services for water or drinks are available along the descending route of the Yoshida Trail below the 8th Station.

Before starting your descent, ensure you will be adequately hydrated all the way to the trail entrance.

To successfully complete your climb, control physical exertion and save enough strength for the descent.

Support Mt Fuji Conservation with a donation

Donations are used to preserve Mt Fuji’s environment and ensure the safety and support of climbers.

All climbers climbing Mt Fuji from the 5th Station to the peak are asked to make a donation of 1,000 yen (recommended amount)

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